Application

Filipin complex readymade solution has been used in the staining of HeLa cells for cytoskeletal imaging.

Filipin has been used in a double staining procedure as a probe for the detection of lipoproteins in polyacrylamide gel and immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes. It is also widely used to localize and quantitate unesterified cholesterol by virtue of a specific fluorescent complex.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Filipin is an antibiotic with antifungal functionality. Filipin complex has been found to alter cell membrane structure by interacting with the membrane sterols ergosterols and cholesterol. On binding to cholesterol, filipin shows fluorescence shift. As such, filipin complex has become a useful tool for diagnosis of Niemann-Pick type C disease, and for detection and quantification of cholesterol in cell membranesand lipid quantification in brain.

General description

Filipin Complex, the collective name given to family of isomeric polyene macrolides isolated from cultures of S. filipinensis, with Filipin III being the majority part of the complex.

Other Notes

Filipin complex ready made solution is very sensitive to air and light. Upon receipt aliquot and store at -20°C. Avoid freeze thaw cycles.Filipin complex is used in various concentrations depending on the specific protocol used. Dilute 5mg/ml stock solution with appropriate buffer according to the used protocol.Filipin complex interaction with cholesterol alters the absorption and fluorescence spectra, for visualization with a fluorescence microscope use excitation at 340-380 nm and emission at 385-470 nm (Filipin fluorescent staining photo-bleaches very rapidly, thus the sample should be analyzed immediately).